I have heard Coach Tom Ryan speak two times at Grace Church. His is a story of being a husband, father and Christian coach, hungry for answers. I have found Tom’s story to be inspiring.
He talks about leadership and hunger for excellence, initiative, teamwork and endurance. He is thirsty for Christ and talks about CHOSEN SUFFERING, which is the title of his book. He says he is blessed.
Coach Ryan’s spiritual hunger and thirst for Christ is contagious! The coach also says drinking dirty water can be harmful – the world wants us to feel good. It will mislead us. We must drink from the life-giving water of the Bible.
There is an empty space in every human being that longs to be filled. A lot of times we fill it with “fool’s gold”, which he says is a euphoric feeling incapable of lasting.
Can you relate?
Fool’s gold: “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father.” – 1 John 2:15
We become the righteousness of God through Christ, and I believe that part of that is integrity, self-control, goodness and decency. It is how we live. We need more leaders in our world who hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness.
Coach Ryan says that no one can lead until they can lead themselves. Start simple. Wake up on time. Make your bed. Put away your dishes. Keep your room clean. Build simple habits. Prepare yourself. Share the truth. Stay hungry for God’s righteousness. He says do something uncomfortable, but right. Apologize to someone you’ve wronged. You will grow to like yourself more, which is great because that’s who you’ll be spending the most time with. But be a selfless leader.
All three of our adult children are public school teachers and so we have had quite a bit of discussions about the amazing challenges they are facing here in 2020. Christian leadership and dealing with adversity with the right attitude are two of the subjects we have talked about. Every day is a challenge and a different way of teaching. Every teacher’s decision affects numerous young people and their families. To have the selfless, positive attitude of Jesus Christ in everyday tasks is a bonus.
The answers to many of life’s questions we ask are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). Spiritual nourishment comes from Jesus Christ for well-being that can last for the rest of life.
Are you hungry for the daily bread that Jesus offers?
Tom Weckesser
Every Day With God 